The United States has come a long way since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 that freed thousands of slaves.

Saturday

Aug 1, 2009 at 12:01 AMAug 1, 2009 at 6:00 PM

Kristen Roderick - The Hutchinson News - kroderick@hutchnews.com

Black Americans no longer have to sit in the balcony of a movie theater, sit at the back of a bus or drink from a different fountain.

Under the law, minorities may no longer be turned down for a job because of their race.

In 2008, on the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Americans elected the first black president, Barack Obama.

"He is an academic achiever," said the parade's grand marshal Curtis McClinton, who spoke to a large crowd at Carey Park about the importance of education.

People of all races and ages gathered along Main Street for a parade to celebrate Emancipation Day. They later continued the celebration at Carey Park with food, music and an address by McClinton.

On a day that celebrated freedom and equality, McClinton was impressed at the bonding and friendship between the races in Hutchinson.

"It's a beautiful community," he said. "When I come back here, I capture a wonderful feeling."

Growing up during a time when black Americans were not fully accepted, McClinton learned to appreciate changing times.

"I couldn't go here or there, eat here or there," he said. "We are going through a transition."

McClinton added that jobs are being made because of advances in wind power and technology.

Blacks are now able to take advantage of those jobs.

McClinton's grandfather encouraged his father to go to college. His efforts allowed McClinton's father, Curtis McClinton Sr., to become the first black senator in Kansas.

That hard work was passed on to McClinton, who excelled in collegiate football and track. Though he was a blocker at the University of Kansas, McClinton is No. 21 on the all-time rushers list at the school. He was also a Big 8 champion in hurdles.

His triumphs on the athletic field didn't matter, though, if he didn't receive a quality education, McClinton said, and his parents felt the same way.

After finishing his professional football career with the Chiefs at Super Bowl VI in 1970, McClinton earned a master's degree from Central Michigan University, a doctorate from Miles College in Birmingham, Ala., and studied at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

He became a deputy mayor of Washington, D.C., and later worked in development and investment banking around the world.